Page 4 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Yes, this is how things are usually done with large fortunes,” Darcy replied tentatively.

Elizabeth let a grieving peal of laughter escape.

“I doubt very much this is how things are usually done. I confess I remember little because, in the beginning, I was impressed with Lord Barrington’s care for me and my family. He seemed so preoccupied with assuring everyone a good life. The notion of securing my family’s comfort made my decision to get married in such haste, to a man I barely knew, worth the sacrifice. But I do recollect that we signed several documents mentioning that if one of us passed away, the other would inherit his or her part of the fortune. Lord Barrington’s solicitor told me it was a mere formality, as we both were young and healthy and we were expected to live a long and happy life. I readily agreed, of course. Since nothing previously belonged to me and as long as my family’s comfort was secure, I found it perfectly normal that, if anything tragic happened to me, Lord Barrington would inherit the rest. What I did not know about was his scheme to become a widower as soon as possible and gain control over the entire fortune, circumventing the terms set out in the Countess of Sedgewick's will.”

Darcy stared at her in utter disbelief. He stood up hastily, frowned, rubbed his chin, ran his fingers through his hair, pacing around, just like her. Two restless souls, walking around a chamber.

“Surely you do not mean that…”

“I do mean precisely what you understood. And Lord Barrington told me as much after a fortnight of marriage when I dared confront him. But I wish it to remain secret. You are the only one to whom I have dared to confess this. My family is already devastated knowing the ordeal I went through. Papa is still not fully recovered. I see no reason to torment them even more.”

“I understand that and you may count on my secrecy. But I can hardly believe it. I still hope that you somehow misunderstood everything. I could not have imagined that you had been in such hell all these months, without anyone knowing.”

“It is all over now…”

“Had I known earlier… Had Bingley told me of his suspicions before… They were in Hertfordshire until their wedding and...Please let me know, what do you wish me to do? How can I assist you?”

“My uncle told me that he has already been approached by Mr. Blackmore’s solicitor, with several claims.”

“I know. Mr. Gardiner informed me last night too.”

“So you know that I asked the two trustees—Mr. Reeves and Mr. Thorn—as well as Mr. Finch—Lady Sedgewick’s executor—to meet with us today at the Barrington estate, to clarify the situation. But I wish you to be there too. I can trust nobody. Except for Uncle Gardiner and Charles, but their own knowledge is limited. I fear everyone will conspire against me. I expect the majority of the fortune will go to Lord Barrington’s creditors and the rest to his mother and cousins. But I must keep what was promised to me. I might sound like a fortune hunter, but I must be sure my family’s settlement remains untouched. I deserve as much. Lady Sedgewick also had several charities she was supporting and the terms of her legacy demanded that those were continued. There were two schools—one for boys and one for girls—that also functioned as orphanages, in two of Lady Sedgewick’s largest properties. There was also a clinic in a London house that treated the poor. Everything is written in her will, but Lord Barrington dismissed it as soon as she passed away. He shamelessly planned to steal the money for himself. I have at least the duty to honour Lady Sedgewick’s memory. She was a most honourable lady, with the best of principles, but her illness and her weakness kept her to her bed, and she was deceived by the worst of schemers. She died, not knowing the truth, and to this day, I do not know who has been loyal to her and who has not.”

“I understand that…”

“Mr. Darcy, I must know my rights! I have lived these last months in fear and terror. Fear for me, for my family and those around me, trapped under Lord Barrington’s cruelty. I had no means of escape, no means to free myself, no means to call for help—until fate took pity on me and you all arrived two days ago. I will never be defeated by fear again, I will never be powerless again! I must keep control over my life and maintain the ability to protect those who depend on me. I must use the power given to me by the law. I must keep the little good that came from Lord Barrington's evil plans. Everything that rightfully belongs to me, I must keep. You are the only person in the world who possesses the knowledge to disentangle the claims of the law, the power and the connections to challenge the infringement of it, the honour to fight by my side for the truth, and the willingness to do so. I have none but you, I put my whole life in your hands now and I can only pray you will not reject me, although you have every right to do so.”

The struggle of overcoming her tears made her voice sound harsh, severe, demanding. But he easily recognised the turmoil concealed behind the words.

“Miss Bennet, let us sit,” he suggested, and she obeyed. They were again close, sitting on opposite chairs.

“I already said I am at your service and I am always loyal to my word,” he responded, overwhelmed by sorrow, defeated by the anger of not being able to punish those who had caused her so much harm.

However, she took his undecided voice as hesitance.

“I imagine you are appalled by my fierceness. I only hope you understand my reasoning and that you will not despise me for my greed and resentment.”

“No...Not at all, I assure you. Greed? Surely not. Resentment? Perhaps, but who would blame you. But despise you? That could never be...”

“I have become estranged from such generosity and kindness lately. I have no words to thank you.”

“Let us not speak of thankfulness. Where can I see the documents? Do you have them?”

“My uncle has some. Mostly those related to my family… When you came… I cannot remember what I did. Sarah was so hurt...I could think of little but being safe and free from that terror.”

“I am very sorry. So very sorry,” he whispered. He did know why he was apologising, but he needed to do it. He felt guilty and responsible for her turmoil.

“Please, sir, do not apologise for others’ faults. The papers...I am sure the trustees and Lady Sedgewick’s executor have them all.”

“They certainly must have them, which is fortunate. I doubt Lady Augusta would have willingly given her son’s papers to us, under the present circumstances.”

“I doubt it too. It pains me to say so, but she was just as horrible as her son. Yes, I admit I do hate her. Deeply. Motherly love can justify one’s errors for some time but she had witnessed her son’s bad habits, that turned into violence and cruelty—for years. There was terror and pain spread everywhere around them!”

She became emotional again, her voice trembling, her hands shaking in her lap. Without much consideration, he put his palms around her hands, calming and protecting them.

“She told me several times to mind my own business. But how could I have witnessed all those malicious injustices and humiliations and remained silent or indifferent? How could I have protected my own comfort and allowed others to be harmed?”

“You have been brave beyond expectation, Lady...Miss Bennet. And I am honoured by your trust. We will find a way.”